2. Pallava’s Contribution to Architecture

The architectural magnificence of the Pallava period is well-known. Pallava architecture is exemplified by the Shore Temple and other granite monolithic temples and the Varaha cave \(\text{7th century}\) near Mamallapuram.

 

Mamallapuram was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in \(1984\).

 

The five rathas (chariots), also known as Panchapandavar rathas, represent five major temple construction styles. Each ratha is carved from a single piece of rock.

 

As a result, they are guided to as monolithic. They erected the Mahishasuramardhini mandapam, Thirumoorthi mandapam, and Varaha mandapam, all popular mandapams (pillared pavilions).

 

Varaha Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple located at Mamallapuram
 

The open art gallery is the essential feature of Mamalla architecture. Several miniature sculptures on the wall of a massive rock, including a figure of a lice-picking monkey, elephants of enormous size, and an austere cat, have been sculpted brilliantly.

 

Among these are the descent of the River Ganga from Lord Siva's head and Arjuna's penance. The Great Penance panel is the most significant open-air bas relief globally.

 

 

Narasimhavarma II, also known as Rajasimha, built temples with stone blocks as structural elements. Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram is the best example of a structural temple.

 

 

Sandstones were used to construct this temple. Rajasimheswaram is the name of the Kailasanatha temple.

 

 

The Pallava architecture reached its pinnacle with the construction of structural temples by the later Pallavas. Vaikunda Perumal temple at Kanchipuram is the best example.